Book launch: The New Power University

From time to time, a generation is faced with some very big choices. Failures in the global geopolitical liberal settlement, existential pressures on climate and resources, social inequality and injustice, the shift from the analogue world to a digital one and a devastating global pandemic, all contribute to a potentially overwhelming sense of systemic change.

History teaches us that the future may bend towards a more humanitarian and sustainable way of life – or towards division and destruction. The choices universities make will play a critical role in determining which path we take as a society. Universities can be complacent, passive bystanders, or they can embark on a deliberate evolution of their public purpose.

In The New Power University, Jonathan Grant argues that to remake the social contract between universities and the public, universities must embrace “new power” values that focus on participation, networks governance and radical transparency.

At this book launch event, hosted by Wonkhe, Jonathan will be joined by a panel of experts including Henry Timms, co-author of New Power, former universities minister Jo Johnson, and ‘Funmi Olonisakin, vice principal international at King’s College London to discuss how the learning, research and social responsibility missions of universities can be reimagined and transformed.

Speakers:

• Jonathan Grant, Author, The New Power University
• Jo Johnson, President's Professorial Fellow, King's College, London and Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School, and Former Universities Minister
• ‘Funmi Olonisakin, Vice-president and vice-principal International, and professor of security, leadership & development, King’s College London
• Henry Timms, President and chief executive, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Co-author of New Power
• Debbie McVitty, Editor, Wonkhe